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Fairbairn, George Eric (1888–1915)

The London Sportsman to-day pays a tribute to the skill of the late Mr. George Eric Fairbairn, the Australian oarsman, who was killed in action in France on June 21. The paper says that rowing has sustained a severe loss as a result of his death.

Mr. Eric Fairbairn was the son of Mr. Tom Fairbairn, who lately resided at Burnside, near Geelong. His mother was a daughter of Mr. Colin Simson, of Carmyle, Toorak. Mr. Eric Fairbairn was educated at Geelong and at Jesus College, Cambridge. He rowed in the Oxford and Cambridge boat race three times, and also rowed with a Jesus College crew against the Belgian eight who had won the Grand Challenge at Henley. The race, which caused great excitement, was won by the English crew. He also rowed in several German regattas in happier times. He was only 27 years of age. The news was received by cable message by his relatives. He was a nephew of Mr. George Fairbairn, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Citation details

'Fairbairn, George Eric (1888–1915)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/fairbairn-george-eric-1450/text1450, accessed 27 September 2017.